Why will the nurse draw a blood culture before giving an antipyretic medication?

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because presence of pedal pulses and intact sensation is the most important bath time assessment of the diabetic patient. Pedal pulses are the pulses that can be felt on the top or side of the foot, and they indicate the blood flow to the lower extremities. Intact sensation is the ability to feel touch, pain, temperature, and vibration on the skin, and it indicates the nerve function of the lower extremities. Diabetic patients are at risk of developing peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy, which can impair the blood flow and nerve function of the lower extremities, and lead to ulcers, infections, or amputations. The nurse should assess the pedal pulses and intact sensation of the diabetic patient regularly, especially before and after bathing, to monitor for any signs of complications or deterioration.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because presence of fingernail clubbing is not the most important bath time assessment of the diabetic patient. Fingernail clubbing is a condition where the nails become curved and enlarged, and the nail bed becomes soft and spongy. It is a sign of chronic hypoxia or low oxygen levels in the blood, and it can be associated with various diseases such as lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or congenital heart defects. However, it is not a common or specific complication of diabetes, and it does not pose an immediate risk of harm or injury to the diabetic patient.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because presence of abdominal rebound tenderness is not the most important bath time assessment of the diabetic patient. Abdominal rebound tenderness is a sign of peritoneal inflammation, which is the inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs. It is elicited by pressing and releasing the abdomen quickly, and it causes pain when the pressure is released. It can be caused by various conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or peritonitis. However, it is not a common or specific complication of diabetes, and it does not pose an immediate risk of harm or injury to the diabetic patient.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because presence of any petechiae or bruises is not the most important bath time assessment of the diabetic patient. Petechiae are small, red, or purple spots on the skin that are caused by bleeding under the skin. Bruises are larger, blue, or purple areas on the skin that are caused by bleeding under the skin. They can be caused by various factors such as trauma, infection, medication, or blood disorders. However, they are not a common or specific complication of diabetes, and they do not pose an immediate risk of harm or injury to the diabetic patient.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient’s core temperature has not dropped too low. The normal body temperature range is 97.7°F to 99.5°F¹. The patient’s temperature is still within this range, although it has decreased from a feverish level.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because vasodilation is the process of widening the blood vessels to increase blood flow and heat loss². This is a natural response of the body to lower the temperature when it is too high. Vasodilation can cause the skin to appear flushed and feel warm to the touch³.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient is not exhausted from shivering. Shivering is another mechanism of the body to increase the temperature when it is too low². Shivering involves involuntary muscle contractions that generate heat³. The patient’s temperature is not too low, so shivering is not likely to occur.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient’s infection has not spread to the bloodstream. A bloodstream infection, or sepsis, is a serious condition that can cause a high fever, not a low one. Sepsis can also cause other symptoms, such as chills, rapid breathing, and confusion. The patient’s temperature has dropped, not increased, and there is no evidence of sepsis.